Dressing your Pets for the Big Day

The latest trend that you may have seen in recent weddings, is dressing man's best friend (and feline friend) in chic little outfits for the big day. Where do you even start looking for items like this? Look no farther for some great ideas and places to look.

The "Other" Bridal Party Members

What’s cuter than a five-year-old flower girl in pig tails? What’s more dapper than a handsome Best Man in a tuxedo? Fifi and Fido, of course! Dressing your beloved pet in wedding attire has never been more fun or more accepted! More and more couples are not only dressing their pets in finery for the big day, but they are having them participate in the ceremonies as well. Dogs are walking brides down the aisle and serving as ring bearers and Best Men all across the country.

So, what’s a well-dressed pooch or kitty to wear? Finely tailored evening clothes, of course! Off the rack or handmade couture, dressing your furry friends has never been easier.

Puppy Threads

When your dog is the Best Man, you’ll want him outfitted in a top hat and tuxedo. Many companies like Wedding Favors Unlimited offer ready-made formal wear for pets of every size. Most of the outfits come as one-piece slip over-the-head type costumes. And hats are secured by an under-the-chin band. You can find just about every version of the tuxedo from red velour to Scottish print. How long your dog will want to stay in the costume is another story. But if you put it on him at the last minute, at least he’ll be spiffy for the photos.

Diva Doggies

If your dog is the Princess of the house, dress her in wedding pouffery. Yes, you can purchase a wedding dress for your dog to coordinate with yours. She can even wear a little veil (available at The Dog Bowl, www.thedogbowl.com). The dress selection at My Uptown Pooch (www.myuptownpooch.com) is not to be missed. The New Beginnings Satin Dog Wedding Gown with Removable Train is an elegant couture gown that is handmade.

Bring on the Itty Bitty Bridesmaids

Perhaps the most adorable thing possible is a dog in bridesmaid dress. A sleeveless satin gown with sash is what all the most fashionable—if hairy—bridesmaids will be spotted in this season. And the Scarlett O’Hara dress found at My Pet Haven (www.mypethaven.com) complete with hair ornament is a show stopper. Fifi may just want to wear her hair up in a satin doggie bow or don a blue rhinestone tiara for the event. If she’s into hearts, she’ll want to wear the Heart Dog Barrette with Rose and Peridot Swarovski Crystals found at My Uptown Pooch (www.myuptownpooch.com). And the Double Strand Pearl Necklace with Rhinestones and matching white or pink pearl barrette make a statement on your darling’s good taste (found at Super Star Pet Lovers, www.SuperStarPetLovers.com).

Kitty Couture

Kitty can’t be left out of the festivities. On a harness with a leash, Kitty can join you without being a flight risk. And why should that leash be ho-hum? She can have a rhinestone leash, harness and tiara. Or, if she’s more of a free-range outdoor tabby, let her attend the ceremony sans harness in a gauzy sleeveless taffeta dress. Companies like Poochie Heaven (www.poochieheaven.com) offer just such a dress complete with pet wedding bow that you order by your cat’s neck size. And for your boy kitty, there are cat-sized bowties and collars. Don’t forget the shoes. You can choose from doggie sneakers to a more formal pink sandal or zippered boots.